While I love inspiring other women over 50 to get dressed for their day and show up in their world, I really started Dressed for My Day largely to encourage myself to keep getting dressed for my day. Some days, like many of you, I struggle to get out of my pajamas, much less to put on something stylish or at least coordinated. In fact, today is one of those days. But on this blue day I’ve gotten dressed for my best day. Here’s why and how.
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Do you have the occasional blue day?
I’ve heard that most people who don’t suffer from clinical depression or similar maladies still experience an average of three blue days per month. I suppose those blue days are a little different for each of us, but I think many of us would relate to having the occasional day when we feel unmotivated, a little sad (for no particular reason), less energetic and a little reclusive. Yeah, that’s me today…and yesterday honestly.
Blue days can feel a little scary if you’re usually fairly even-tempered. They can feel weighty and bigger than they are. So I learned years ago to accept the occasional blue day with grace and navigate it a little gingerly, slowly, but still with a gentle push in the right direction.
On these blue days I’m usually gentle with myself and recognize that I’ve likely spread myself too thin, pushed myself too hard or need a change of pace and/or scenery. Fortunately, if I allow myself those graces, I usually find myself on the sunnier side of life within a day or two. I do indeed think it’s important to evaluate and read the signals our bodies may be giving us, to be gracious with ourselves and rest, if needed.
But most of us realize we don’t have days to waste, much less to give in to self-pity or isolation. Even on blue days we may have appointments to keep, work to accomplish and people counting on us. Plus, I’ve discovered that, while I want to be gracious with myself, if I give in too much, I’m likely to sink past blue and into dark. Know how I mean?
That’s why I’ve gotten out of bed, gone for my walk, showered, taken my usual Monday morning appointment with my assistant and am now sitting here at my desk typing up this blog post…a little later than usual, but still. Trust me, I’m moving slower than normal and giving myself a little grace, but I’m still moving forward and you better believe I’ve gotten dressed for my day.
I’m a firm believer in getting dressed for the day you want to have, not just the day you feel like you’re in. Getting dressed for our day can set the trajectory for our day every day, but it can also give us a gentle push in the right direction.
Here are a few ways to dress for your best day on a blue day.
On a blue day get dressed to go outside.
Getting outside daily can be a boost for mental and emotional as well as physical health. You’ll get a little vitamin D, breathe some fresh air and remember that the world goes beyond your little corner of it.
I put on my walking shorts, sports bra and tank top this morning, laced up my sneakers and truly PUSHED myself out the front door. I did not want to get out there. But within a few minutes I was moving much more easily and feeling significantly better. It was a still a blue day, mind you. But let’s just say it was feeling more light blue than stormy navy.
Even if you usually exercise indoors, I think it’s a good idea to get outside for a little fresh air and sunshine (or rain or snow!) on these blue days. You can go for a hike, ride your bike or just walk the streets of your neighborhood or town. Bottom line, getting dressed for a little outdoor time is the first step in pushing you out the door and towards a sunnier disposition.
On a blue day get dressed for comfort.
When I returned home from my walk, I showered and changed into something comfortable but still lovely. This is not the day to pull on your oldest sweats and t-shirt. Instead, dress in something that feels good, soft against your skin, comfortable in all the places, but still feels and looks presentable and a little polished.
On a blue day in the summer I tend to reach for comfortable shorts and shirts, like above. Or I wear soft linen pants and a top, which is what I’m wearing today.
The above photo was taken a couple of years ago, but that’s the exact outfit I’m wearing today. Easy, gentle, comfortable, but still pulled together and pretty.
On a blue day dress in a little color.
Another tactic could be to wear a little color, especially if wearing something more vibrant will help you show up better for your job or appointments.
If I had needed to get out today, the outfit above is one I would have reached for. It’s still comfortable and a personal favorite, but it’s colorful enough to help me show up as my best self. Another option would have been the outfit below.
And a simple, comfortable dress is another nice option, especially if you need to get out and be productive.
Just looking at these photos of myself dressed in color actually cheers me a little. So stepping out in color could certainly help you to put your best foot forward, even on a blue day.
On a blue day dress for productivity.
I may move at a slower pace on a blue day. And I may not accomplish as much as I would on another day that feels brighter. But I still dress to be productive on a blue day. In fact, that may mean that I switch gears and instead of dressing for work at my desk, I dress to get other things around the house and yard done.
Yesterday, when I was also feeling a little blue, I pushed myself just a bit and did all of our laundry, including a good bit of ironing. Those kinds of tasks feel gentle to me. Little household jobs like vacuuming, gardening, dusting and sweeping the porches keep me moving and help me accomplish something, but also feel easy on the mind.
So even on a blue day we can be productive. In fact, feeling a little productive often helps push me out of the blues and back into a sunnier state of mind. And it begins with simply putting on something that will motivate me to get a few things done.
Get dressed for interaction.
Like I said, it’s common and perfectly normal to have a few blue days each month. But if we find ourselves feeling blue much longer than that we probably need to check in with our healthcare provider. I also know that if I have one blue day turn into two, it’s time for me to phone a friend and arrange a “play date.”
I may have to light a little fire under myself to make it happen, but I need to get out to meet a friend for coffee or lunch. Or if no one is available for a meet-up, I can just get out for a little window-shopping or a pedicure. That, in fact, is what I’m doing tomorrow.
What about you? Do you have the occasional blue day? I encourage you to still get dressed for you day on those less sunny days. Getting dressed for your day is often the first step on the path to brighter days. I’d love to hear from you in the comments today. Let’s make it a good one!
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Blessed for My Day
It’s perfectly normal to get a little blue every now and again. We tend to live at such a fast pace these days. And all of us are having to digest more information and more change than our ancestors ever imagined absorbing. It’s no wonder we feel the weight of it all occasionally. But if you sink deeper into the blues, definitely reach out to your healthcare provider and/or minister for help.
That said, I find that it’s also crucial to spend a little extra time in God’s Word on these days. The Bible is powerful in that it can set our paths straight, realign our thinking, heal our hurts and encourage our weary souls. Draw near to God on these days…and every day…and He will revive you through the promises and precepts of His Word.
I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have revived me. ~ Psalm 119:93
Good Day Kay! Thank you for this beautiful post. We all have BLUE DAYS, great message and idea tips for everyone. Bath and dress in your favorite clothes and colors and get moving.
Sending you a huge hug 🤗and hope you feel more like yourself soon . I agree on these days to dress either really beautifully in colour or like you say in something that feels soft and comfortable next to your skin. I’m pleased you made yourself go out for a walk . I do this and be in nature hopefully next to water and talk to God. I also love to listen to some beautiful uplifting music my go to is Andre Bocelli or the 3 Tenors . Gorgeous smells with my incense or candles plus this brings me peace , as does my Meditation . Take care Lovely Lady ❤️
I agree with getting dressed for the day you want to have & simply pushing yourself out the door. I pour it all out in my journal. I also turn up the volume on my classic rock ‘n roll. That music makes me move & feel alive. Your smiley pictures made me smile. I always look forward to reading your BFMD at the end of your posts. I start every morning with scripture & coffee.
Kay,
I hate that you are having a blue day, but somehow this post encouraged me how to naviagte through my blue days that I have on occasion.
I truly appreciate your transparency.
I have these days at least 1x a week. Sometimes I feel lethargic and physically slow as well as emotionally. I am worried something is wrong with my health but I just had an annual exam with my PC and everything is fine but still I worry. I am 71 and at this stage of life health changes quickly. Thanks for your tips. I hope that you are feeling better emotionally.
I acknowledge the occasional blue day and that is key to getting through it. On those days I use comfort, security and gratitude as my guide. I reach for a favorite uniform of jeans – well fitting elevated, and a sweater – cashmere please; I hug my husband and send a virtual/digital one to my kids &/or friend and then I remember how fortunate I am at this point in life. Then I do something…..
Thank you for making this a topic of conversation. Another way that you help others.
I hope you feel better soon Kay. I have days like that once in a while. Normally if I am worried about a family member. If they are sad it affects me. Prayers and reading scripture helps me. I agree to get dressed and put on some makeup. 🙏
Thank you very much for this post. It really hit home. I am usually a very active and upbeat person but……every now and then one of “those blue days” hits. You hit some really key points about them and gave very realistic and doable takeaways to turn into actions. Very, very helpful. Thanks for doing this and hope your day shines soon!!!
Oh yes, especially when it’s cloudy in the morning, that can become the start to a blue day, because I don’t wake up well on cloudy mornings. At any rate, these were great tips. When I feel blue, one thing I do is I force myself to put on makeup. I normally wear it – a very light, natural look – but on blue days, I tend to want to tie my hair up in a knot and go around bare faced. Putting makeup on makes me feel like I have to face the public eye, and that helps me get at least a modicum of motivation on those blue days, lol! It’s so easy to want to stay in sweatpants and look like a hot mess.
Hi Kay! Thank you for being transparent and honest with us! You are a “normal” person just like the rest of us who have those down days here and there.
Appreciate all your tips. One of my rules for Monday and rainy days-some people view as a “dark blue day”-is to never wear black or grey! I wear scrubs as I am in the medical field, I threw on my paper clip necklace today inspired by one of your posts last week. Just to jazz up the day and make Monday not seem so dreary.
I also try to jazz up with color or an interesting accessory.
Let’s lighten up and make it a great week!
PS what brand are the black pants in the photo of you in the shirt that says “Go outside” Love those and I have a hiking trip coming up!
All good advice for dealing with blue days. These days I keep the TV off and the music on so I can dance around the kitchen and beyond! Breathing exercise also helps. Have a blessed day today and for the many bright days to come.
Thanks for sharing your blue days thinking. We all have them and they generally happen for a reason. Perhaps to make us slow down and take stock in our lives.
I’m usually an upbeat person but,, I believe everybody has a blue day once in a while. Thank you for letting us know, that this is not unusual. I believe everybody should get dressed for the day. Because of everybody being A prisoner in their own house during covid,
some people became afraid To go out and still do. When I feel blue Occasionally, I put on something bright and cheerful, read an extra verse from the Bible, and push myself out the door or get busy doing something around the house. God bless you and so glad you do what you do. You bring So much sunshine to people everyday
This is so good for me right now to hear! I just had surgery so I am having a few blue days! Thank you Kay!
Good to let people know that it is normal for all of us to have occasional “blue” days. The world is not exactly a very kind place at the moment and we all pray it will get much better and so naturally we all take in bad news and it stays with us. You are good to keep to a regular schedule if possible and think of all the things that are a blessing in your life – husband, family etc. If there are too many blue days then we should see a physician about that and find the cause. An R.N. knows these things. Hoping for many more sunny days for you and it is okay to slow down the pace. You need your own “silent space” from time to time.
Your candid sharing and suggestions today came at a great time for me as I was in the middle of a blue day. Know that you made a difference in someone’s life today. Blessings
I am learning to deal with the occasional blue day, I recently retired, learning to fill my days with non work activities. I spent so much time working that I now can feel unneeded. When I wake up blue I exercise then dress for my day. Your blog definitely resonated with me. I was a little worried when your email didn’t arrive as usual, glad you and yours are well. Take care of yourself
Sometimes it really is hard to get going and feel good and your tips are all very helpful! We do feel better if we take time to dress nicely as a form of self-care. As we age we can be more mindful of our losses, limitations and disappointments, and it can be an unwelcome surprise to have aches and pains that we somehow never thought would happen to us! Having a reason to get up and get out and socialize is so important for those of us who are retired, too, and are perhaps living alone. Trying to think of someone who could use a small note or email from us, or reaching out in some way can be an antidote as others are often feeling the same and it’s nice to know you’re not alone while being careful to stay positive so conversation doesn’t turn into a complaint session! Remembering that we are “human beings, not human doings,” can help refute the mindset of productivity in our culture where we are measured by achievement rather than celebrated for just being here – we can feel guilty if we don’t feel we are at the top of our game every day, but we’re not machines and need time to reassess what we are doing and feeling. We get a fresh start every day, so if today wasn’t the greatest, not to worry – we get another chance!
Thank you Kay for this post. I seem to need to be reminded of this basic truth. I read it yesterday and again today. Your encouraging words are so important to me women of a certain age.
I missed this post yesterday but am sure glad I saw it today. It’s a rainy, stormy day here in South Dakota. A day that would be great for laying low and reading a book, but I’ve got work to do. So I will get dressed for my day and find my internal sun shine! Thank you for always being honest and real with us, your loyal readers!
Hi Kay… you pushed your common sense to be the boss and followed the Spirit to embrace the good around you, what a gift. We all have it if we tune in to it, happiness is as you know not always automatic. Thank you for sharing, I know you have helped everyone who read the post, including myself. 🥰